Hot Topics:

Long-dormant Lafayette grain elevator and silos slated for revival

New plans seek to reconcile site's historical preservation with modern development

By Anthony Hahn

Staff Writer

Posted:
09/12/2016 10:10:20 PM MDT

Updated:
09/12/2016 10:14:41 PM MDT

The long-debated and controversial grain elevator and silos site is seen in Lafayette on Monday. (Matthew Jonas / Staff Photographer)

The grain elevator and silos that sit on a 0.6-acre plot in eastern Lafayette could see a revival in the near future, according to plans unveiled by city administrator Gary Klaphake on Monday during a historical preservation meeting.

A tribute to the city's once agricultural-dependent economic boon, the site — located at 816 E. Baseline Road — has sat in limbo while confusion over who, exactly, owned certain pieces of the property stalled progress moving forward.

Site plans presented at Monday's meeting could spell a new era for the storied landmarks — initial proposals include yielding ownership of the elevator and tall silos to the city, separation of the building attached to the elevator, repurposing the remaining structure as a restaurant and store aptly dubbed "Feed and Grail," among other developments.

Calling the steps necessary "to breathe life back into the site," Klaphake's freshly-minted plans have been met by residents with a rare consensus of approval.

"Saving the grain elevator and silos as a backdrop," Historical Preservation Chairwoman Rebecca Schwendler said at the presentation's conclusion. "I think that it's all really wonderful."

Despite the proposal's effort to reconcile the preservation of Old Town with modern development, concerns were raised at Monday's meeting over the proposal's omittance of any tangible long-term ideas for the property.

"My reservation (about the master plan) is that there are a lot of unknowns and no guarantees going forward," Schwendler said. "What happens if the plans aren't approved? That makes me uncomfortable."

Advertisement

Additional facets of the proposal include a $50,000 contribution from the property owner for restoration on the remaining structures, gifting the owner the alley easement and potential for demolition of the six smaller silos.

Monday's update followed in the wake of a frustrating past year for the site. Clashes between the city and the former property owner, exasperated by confusion, essentially left the structures frozen in time.

In May 2015, Lafayette resident Anji Redmond submitted a third-party nomination to the city asking that the grain elevator and three tall silos be designated a historic landmark, despite the former property owner's objections.

The potential sale of the property on the east side of town drove Redmond to submit the application. The property was listed for $560,000 and included the Feed & Grain building, but not the business, which closed earlier this year, according to the online listing.

"I became concerned about the grain elevator and tall silos last winter when I learned that Lafayette Feed & Grain was listed for sale," Redmond said in an email at the time. "I have lived in this part of Colorado for several decades and have always seen the building as iconic to Lafayette."

As part of the application process, residents helped Redmond trace the background of the grain elevator and silos. Research suggests the grain elevator was completed before the 1920s — possibly between 1905 and 1910, when the Louisville grain elevator was constructed. The Lafayette elevator was shut down in 1992 by the property owner and is no longer operational. The elevator burned in 1935 and reopened in 1955.

While Monday's presentation represents only the first steps toward the site's eventual revitalization, cases such as these have illustrated a certain population of the city continually dedicated to historic preservation, endeavors that can come with a hefty price tag and opposition from fellow residents outside the Old Town mentality.

The former La Familia building, painstaking conservation of a vintage Coca-Cola mural and continued efforts dedicated to the city's art-minded reputation have served as surprisingly divisive issues among residents.

Boulder is pretty good at producing rock bands, and by "rock," we mean the in-your-face, guitar-heavy, leather-clad variety — you know, the good kind. For a prime example, look no farther than BANDITS. Full Story